By Jose Paolo dela Cruz
Singapore Airlines (SIA) recently welcomed its newest aircraft, the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, as it landed on the tarmac of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for the first time. And shortly after a spectacle of water cannons welcomed the latest addition to their five-star fleet, the crowd who witnessed it also got a sneak peek of what’s inside this engineering marvel of a plane.
Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Kok Li Peng and SIA Philippines general manager Balagopal Kunduvara welcomed the aircraft by hitting the ceremonial gong, before guests to the special affair – consisting of dignitaries, government officials and members of the media – excitedly became the first to board the much-talked about aircraft.
“Today’s milestone represents our commitment and dedication to constantly provide our customers with a premium travel experience like no other,” said Kunduvara, who flew into Manila aboard the Dreamliner, after having picked it up from Singapore.
Ambassador Peng, on the other hand, congratulated SIA, saying that “SIA is always the best airline for me. Kudos on being the first airline in the world to secure the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner.”
So what’s inside one of the first five Dreamliners to hit the market (SIA ordered 49, to be exact)? Take a look below.
Cabins like no other
Business Class customers can rest in more comfort with a seat that reclines directly into a 76” fully flat bed, even on the shortest flights. The new seats also provide more personal space with their retractable armrests, which can be raised and lowered; while adjustable dividers at the center seats provide for a customized level of privacy to suit individual preferences.
Great Economy
Flying in style and comfort is a promise, not just on Business Class, but across all classes. Economy passengers will fly on seats with an ergonomically-designed contour backrest, together with a six-way adjustable headrest and foldable wings to provide more neck support.
Screentime
The newest Dreamliner also boasts of the largest, high-definition touchscreens for in-flight entertainment. All customers on the new 787-10s will also have greater control over their in-flight entertainment (IFE) experience through myKrisWorld, allowing for world-class IFE personalization. Features of myKrisWorld include content recommendations based on customer preferences and viewing history, and KrisFlyer members being able to bookmark and resume content, as well as customize and save preferences for subsequent flights.
Insta-ready
When flying on board something as fine as the SIA Dreamliner, there will definitely be an itch to broadcast the experience. Well, now it can be done from an all-new altitude since the new 787-10s will also be equipped with in-flight WiFi supported by Panasonic’s Global Communication Services and GSM phone services provided by Panasonic’s wholly owned subsidiary Aeromobile. On that note, the race to the best cabin selfie is on!
Feast on your flights
For those who travel to experience the world’s finest cuisines, the experience can start the moment you hop on the plane. Customers traveling in Business Class can enjoy personalized service while they pick from a wide array of gourmet choices with ‘Book the Cook’, where they can pre-select their respective meals up to 24 hours before their flight, for flights originating from Singapore.
All these, even on the shortest of flights
The newest Dreamliner can be enjoyed by everyone, even those who are just taking short flights. Since July 3, the 787-10 aircraft has been operating on SQ915/SQ918 flights to/from Manila. SQ918 departs from Singapore Changi Airport at 7:25 pm and arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 at 11:00 pm. SQ915 departs from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 at 7:40 am and arrives at Singapore Changi Airport at 11:20 am daily.
With all these said, it’s time to pack your bags and start flying to your dream destinations. The SIA Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner has everything you need covered.
SIA’s 787-10s will be used on flights up to eight hours and have commenced services between Singapore and both Osaka and Perth in May 2018, and Bali in July 2018, with more destinations to be added as additional aircraft are received.